Heyside founder dies

FOOTBALL; BRIAN Bakes, the man who founded Heyside Juniors 37 years ago, has died, aged 72.

Brian identified a need for a boys team in the Heyside area in 1974 — the first teams changed in his garage in nearby Hebron Street— and Heyside Juniors was born.

He played a major part in the development of Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks in his under-13s side.

Brian was chairman of the club for 26 years and current chairman Steve Grice paid tribute to Brian’s commitment.

“He was much like Bob Paisley — quiet, determined, knowledgeable but with a will to win and to have a good team, he never wanted the limelight, he was a football man.

“He always showed interest in all the teams and helped thousands of Children play football from our area.

“They all owe Brian a debt of gratitude for starting and developing the club. He laid the foundations of this club which we should all be grateful for.

“He realised we had to go with the times but always gave a bit of advice on how to make sure traditional values were not lost — and that is very important.”

Brian, who also played bowls with Osram and latterly Comrades, died on Wednesday. His funeral will be held on Friday at the Oldham Crematorium (11.30am).